CONCLUSION

Y2000 is going to be a
challenging year, both for the economy and the government. Despite a
commitment by both major parties to have elections within the time-bound
Herdmanston Accord, there remain considerable doubts about the
feasibility of these elections being held within that time.

Whilst many would have
hoped for a Budget that broke from the recent past with vision and
creativity, perhaps the Budget presented by Minister Kowlessar was what
he and his Government considered most feasible given all the
circumstances.

There still seems a
marked reluctance to respond to the pleas of the Private Sector. On the
other hand, the Private Sector is hardly distinguishing itself by
courage, innovation or commitment to the general good of the country.

Minister Kowlessar
deserves the understanding of his fellow Guyanese for attempting to
prepare his Budget in the most difficult administrative arrangements
possible. He needs to be given far more authority and more technical
resources to manage the Ministry of Finance and Budget 2000 effectively.
Unless this is done the economy will continue to move at a pedestrian
pace when what is needed is rapid acceleration.